~ The Social Diary ~

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A Look Back at the Best Events of 2006 -

Hershey Felder Hits the Right Chord with Globe Patrons & Gershwin’s Legacy

January 14th, 2007
The Social Diary Columnist & Photographer Margo Schwab

Star Hershey Felder, center, with Event Co-Chairs Robert Gleason, Carolyn Yorston, Jake Figi and Valerie Cooper

The Globe Gala 2006 was a brilliant tapestry woven with the organizational talent of the formidable four, that's Co-Chairs Carolyn Yorston, Jake Figi, Valerie Cooper and Robert Gleason, the party planning talent of Jim Lennox, and the incredible performing talent of Hershey Felder in the production of George Gershin Alone.

Gala guests first enjoyed a cocktail reception and silent auction in the Alcazar Garden in Balboa Park. The September 16th, 2006 evening was weather perfect.

Among the many in the black tie crowd was Co-chair Carolyn Yorston in turquoise blue Mary McFadden tunic, trousers and matching aquamarines. Carolyn was joined in the turquoise theme by her Co-chair Jake Figi in silk Ralph Lauren Couture. Co-chair Valerie Cooper bucked the blue trend and went for British designer Jenny Packham’s yellow gown with sequined collar and back detailing.
Robert Gleason, the only male Co-Chair of the group, looked fit and handsome in his tux.

Others among the well dressed and tressed included fashionable Emma Zuckerman in Monique Lhuillier skirt and Oscar de la Renta lace detailed top, and Dianne York-Goldman in a daring strapless gown by Roberto Cavalli. And Dianne wore it quite well. Also standing out were Karen Cohn in purple satin gown by Vera Wang and Susie Spanos in Issey Miyake. Susie carried a Swarovski Crystal covered purse....The purse was decorated like a Charger's football. That's a winning Charger football mind you. Jeanne Jones, everyone’s favorite healthy cooking authority was there too. Jeanne chose a silk suit with feathery jacket by Oscar de la Renta.

Guests in fun conversation included Joan and Irwin Jacobs, Leonard Simpson, Rana Sampson and Mayor Jerry Sanders, Lyn and Stephen Krant, Audrey Geisel and Alex Butterfield, Pat and Bob Whalen, Old Globe Executive Director Louis Spisto, Nina and Bob Doede, Carol and Jeff Chang, Lisa and David Casey, Lee and Frank Goldberg, Deni and Kenneth Carpenter, Margo Schwab and Scott Johnston, Pam Slater-Price and Hershell Price, Sheryl and Harvey White, Karen and Don Cohn, Conrad Prebys, and Darlene and Donald Shiley.

Conrad, Darlene and Donald have been very generous to the Old Globe in recent years. Conrad gave $10 million a year ago and Darlene and Donald recently donated $20 million. Add to that, millions from Karen and Donald Cohn, Kathryn Hattox, and Sheryl and Harvey White, and Audrey Geisel, and you have incredible generosity flowing to incredible productions at the Old Globe.

Following the reception, guests proceeded to a stellar performance by internationally acclaimed performing artist Hershey Felder. Based on Hershey's book and per the Direction of Joel Zwick, Hershey becomes George Gershwin in his one man show of George Gershwin Alone. Telling Gershwin's ups and downs, recounting the songwriter's life moments that ended up as timeless musical hits, Hershey is astounding. In monologues that sizzle with witty dialogue, to working through and then performing final musical scores at the piano and singing, Hershey enthralled guests. Hershey brings the life of George Gershin to stage and to audience members' hearts.

The audience applauded and applauded to vignettes from The Man I love, American In Paris, Porgy, and Bess, Rhapsody in Blue and so much more. Hershey Felder received a very lengthy standing ovation from a very appreciative audience.

After his performance, Hershey invited Darlene Shiley, who has quite the good voice, to do a little sing along with Hershey and audience members.

And soon Darlene was using her voice and waving hand for live auction bidding. She and Joan Jacobs each bid successfully for a private performance by Hershey for one evening at each of their respective homes. The winning bids included invites for 50 of their friends and delivery for the night of a Steinway. All for $50,000 plus each.

And the bidding continued for enticing trips and more, until the call to dinner on the Old Globe Copley Plaza came.

Roasted eggplant, boursin and goat cheese flan, with roasted beets and orange honey vinaigrette started the evening's supper. Starters were followed by boneless roasted lamb loin cutlets with vegetables and a mango chutney. Dessert? A Gershwin Rhapsody.

Dancing soon followed and continued into the night. Guests went home with Neiman Marcus gift bags and smiles from a great evening at the Old Globe.

This event raises funds to ensure the Globe's artistic quality as well as funding its education and outreach programs.

To learn more about current events and productions, please visit www.TheOldGlobe.org .

Valerie Cooper

Valerie Cooper's back of gown ** Valerie talking with fellow Co-Chair Robert Gleason

Scott Johnston and a close up of his Neptunic shark themed tie tack

Todd and Jake Figi

Guests ** Guest with Dean Spanos

Laura Wile with Lyn Krant and Susie Spanos ** Susie Spanos's Chargers purse

Sheryl White ** Reception centerpiece

Scott Johnston and Mayor Jerry Sanders ** Mayor Jerry Sanders with Margo Schwab

Lyn Krant with Mayor Jerry Sanders and Scottie Brown

Rana Sampson with her husband, Mayor Jerry Sanders

Harry and Valerie Cooper ** Harry and Valerie Cooper with Event Designer Jim Lennox

The Event Co-Chairs, Robert Gleason, Jake Figi, Valerie Cooper and Carolyn Yorston

Scott Johnston and Leonard Simpson ** These two guests, Whitney McCannon and Scott Hickel,
became happily engaged just minutes before

Margo Schwab in Lauren and Neptunic Jewelry, with Leonard Simpson

Lisa Casey ** Guests arriving

Lee Goldberg

Emma Zuckerman and Denise Hug ** Scott Johnston being a gentleman and holding their purses and drinks during the photo.

Don Cohn with Denise and Bertrand Hug ** Karen Cohn

Jeanne Jones ** Dan Moore with Diane Clarke ** Jordan

An entrance floral arrangement, part of the elegant scene created by Jim Lennox

Harry Cooper with Leanne and Sandy Shapery

Bob and Pat Whalen ** Brenda Marsh-Rebello and John Rebello

* Margo Schwab has produced, written, interviewed and photographed for various media organizations since 1989. Schwab has a college degree from Scripps College and a Masters of Business degree from the University of San Diego. Schwab volunteers for numerous charity organizations. She also continues to lobby for water safety and for family violence mitigation. Schwab is the owner and publisher of The Social Diary. Margo is currently writing a book based on La Jolla.

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